Cactus Bellevue Square — Restaurant in Bellevue

Exceptional Dining Experience. My recent dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped inside, I was impressed by the vibrant ambiance, attentive service, and most importantly, the delicious food that makes this restaurant a standout choice for anyone craving exceptional Southwest cuisine.

Delicious and Creative Menu: The menu at Cactus is both diverse and creative, offering a wide range of Southwest-inspired dishes that cater to various tastes. I started with the chips and guacamole, which were fresh and flavorful. For the main course, I opted for the Carne Asada Tacos and the Butternut Squash Enchiladas. Both dishes were expertly prepared, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Carne Asada was tender and juicy, while the enchiladas were rich and satisfying, showcasing a wonderful combination of ingredients.

Outstanding Margaritas: One of the highlights of my visit was the extensive margarita menu. I tried the Prickly Pear Margarita, which was refreshingly unique and perfectly balanced. The selection of handcrafted cocktails and extensive tequila list are sure to impress any cocktail enthusiast.

Warm and Inviting Ambiance: The atmosphere at Cactus is vibrant and inviting. The decor is a tasteful mix of modern and Southwestern elements, creating a warm and cozy environment. The restaurant is well-lit and spacious, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The outdoor seating area is particularly charming, offering a pleasant dining experience with a view of the bustling Bellevue Square.

Exceptional Service: The service at Cactus was top-notch. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that we had everything we needed throughout our meal. The staff were quick to accommodate any special requests and provided excellent recommendations, which greatly enhanced our dining experience.

Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Bellevue Square, Cactus is easily accessible and conveniently situated near a variety of shops and entertainment options. The ample parking available in the mall makes it easy to visit, whether you’re planning a dedicated trip or a spontaneous meal while shopping.

Cleanliness and Safety: The restaurant was impeccably clean and well-maintained, with clear attention to hygiene and safety protocols. This made for a comfortable dining experience, especially in today’s environment where cleanliness is paramount.

In summary, Cactus offers a five-star dining experience with its delicious and creative menu, outstanding margaritas, warm ambiance, and exceptional service. Whether you’re a fan of Southwest cuisine or looking to try something new, Cactus is a must-visit. I highly recommend this restaurant for a truly memorable meal...

First time at Cactus because it's always super busy, but been dying to try it. Let me give you a spoiler to this review: it is WORTH IT!

From the moment we walked in, this was a 5 star experience. The greeter (Victoria? I think?) was very personable, communicated clearly, and quoted us 10-20 min wait. About 25 minutes go by, so we wander back over and find out someone had stolen our table (looking at you, Andrea - karma will get you). Victoria again was so nice, apologized then got us right to a booth that was overlooking the mall - so it worked out even better.

Our server was Emma, who seriously acted like a best friend! She was prompt without hovering, kept waters full, and so helpful. I asked if she would pick the queso or the Austin guac, to which she recommended the queso because of the (delicious and not super super greasy) chorizo. If you look, that isn't even an upsell, which gained trust. Because of that and the quality of the food we stayed for dessert (the s'mores and omg soooooooooo good) and an extra round of drinks (fire bird - refreshing and juicy). The food was absolutely fabulous (I got the chile relleno - DELISH) . Felt freshly prepared, even though it came out in a fairly quick timeframe. My sister got the birria tacos and they weren't super greasy either like other places, cooked and seasoned to perfection. I literally could go back again today, it was all that good!

The bussers/runners were equally as nice and prompt.

Throughout the initial wait and meal, there was a man who was HUSTLING! I'm talking bussing, a quick silent vacuum over crumbs, greeting people. At the end of our meal, he came over to check in and see how things were. This was the manager, Collin! Unlike other restaurant managers who come off pompous and snooty, he was ALSO friendly, informative, and inviting - welcomed us to come back again in the warmer days to come, open a window, and enjoy another drink. He even boxed the rest of the dessert up for us!

I really hope Victoria, Emma, and Collin get recognized because their service was exemplary and very...

Mediocre food, for high price.

I ordered the Ancho Chicken Tacos.

Let's start out by saying that the decision to plate Spanish rice with pepita seeds the size of my fist is a new one for the books. I understand that these seeds are common in Mexican cuisine, (so don't come for me in this review) but the rice it was paired with tasted closer to Spanish rice, and less like traditional Mexican rice.

The rice itself lacked flavor, and tasted like it came from a box. Think Uncle Ben's Spanish rice, only it's Uncle Ben's annoying nephew that decided to make it for Tik Tok clout. Complete with just a hint of tomato paste, and virtually nothing else. Someone get Salt Bae on that cooking line back there.

The tacos were only two. Skimpy on the meat, which tasted like the chicken needed more time to marinate. But terrible things come in twos I guess because it as well had no flavor. Both were topped with clumps of cilantro.

Complimentary chips and salsa, but our chip basket was never filled again. Typically the baskets are filled as your party runs out. Again, skimpy establishment holding out on corn chips, for charging the prices they do.

Our server was slow and was more interested in chatting with a co-worker on the other side of the bar. It was only until it appeared we had finished our meal that I asked for a refill. Service was slow for such a dead time of the day.

Next time I'll play enrique iglesias in my kitchen and cook a better meal. Maybe I'll invite...